My friend A.J. returned home last week after spending the entire summer in Africa. She is an incredibly talented photographer and is using her gift to create a photography book to help the orphaned and vulnerable children in Zambia.
A.J. has spent the last two years raising money for this project and all proceeds from “Lahema’s Legacy” will go directly to helping the Zambian children.
Did I mention that she’s 25 years old?
I won’t bore you with what I was doing at 25, but rest assured that it wasn’t something as unselfish as spending three months in a foreign country to benefit the less fortunate.
You can read all about A.J.’s summer by visiting the Lahema’s Legacy blog. It starts with the most recent post, so you’ll want to scroll down to the bottom and read from there.
Oh and here’s a picture of Caroline in a dress that A.J. brought her from Africa. I have a feeling it’s going to be worn to Kindergarten before it’s all said and done.
Anyway, the point is that A.J.’s dedication to telling these kid’s stories has inspired and challenged me.
Last year, Compassion contacted me and asked if I would be interested in going to Uganda with a group of bloggers, including Shannon and Sophie.
Obviously, I didn’t go. There were a lot of reasons why it just didn’t seem to be the right thing at that time.
Then earlier this summer I received an email from Shaun Groves from Compassion asking if I’d be interested in going to the Dominican Republic in November.
I said no.
But then some cool things happened which made it clear I was supposed to go.
So now I’m going.
I’ll be in the Dominican Republic from November 2-7 to see what Compassion is doing there and how we can make a difference in these children’s lives.
I’m excited. I’m nervous. I’m ready.
And I can’t wait to tell y’all about every minute of it.
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WOW.
Wow wow wow wow.
I’m beyond over-the-moon thrilled for you, and absolutely cannot wait to see it all through your eyes.
Sending you a great big, squishy hug…
How amazing. I’ll be looking forward to reading all about the ministry.
As for that dress, it’s perfect.
I’m so excited for you!
Do you think it would be possible to share what made it clear you were supposed to go?
I know it’s probably personal and you might not want to share it. But I’m sort of in a dry spot where I feel like I’m wandering around the desert not clear where or what I’m supposed to be doing…
And of course, I’m not sure how your story would help me find my way out….
Wow, His time and Season.
Will cover you in prayer while looking forward to your report.
Wow, His time and Season.
Will cover you in prayer while looking forward to your report.
Blessings,
Tammy
I pray that my children will walk with God much sooner than I did… your friend is an inspiration. I’m so excited for this opportunity for you…. We will all be covering you in prayer.
Oh that’s so great! You will come back changed . . . for the better. Hooray for you!
Wow!
Wonderful news.
Hugs and prayers from Northern Ireland
That is SOOOO exciting! You are going to change many lives with this trip, I’m sure.
Praise God!! That’s awesome!!! You will have to post your prayer needs soon so everyone can be praying specifically for your trip.
On a different note….what is Caroline doing with her hands in that photo??
Wow, that is so awesome. I will put these dates on my calendar to keep you in prayer. I haven’t done a missions trip since I was in high school, but when I went to Guatemala it was a life changing experience. I know God will use this as a blessing.
And, Caroline’s dress is so cute.
YEEHAW! That is so exciting!
I’m not even going…and I am psyched!
That dress is beautiful too.
What a special gift!
Go….and be blessed.
I went to the Dominican Republic on my first international missions trip in 1999. It was amazing, wonderful, and heartbreaking. Wave hi to the country for me. I will pray for an amazing experience for you.
I am so excited for you! You will see life differently. What a great faith-stretcher!
I’m sooooo jealous Melanie!! I have a feeling I’ll be going somewhere in the next little bit…I just don’t think my time is now.
I’m already praying for ya and I will be glued to every word you ever say about it!
Hugs,
Fran
Wow! Praying for you!
That’s so incredibly exciting. YAY.
I am so excited to be able to go along as well (writing for 5 Minutes for Mom). I said yes a while ago, so I was privileged to be praying for Shaun as he assembled the team.
I don’t so much have a problem leaving my children for a week, but I know that there will be obstacles thrown in our paths as far as logistics, so let’s keep praying for each other, okay??
Can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am for you. And for Compassion to have you!
Confession: I don’t even know where the Dominican Republic is. South America? Central? Oh, the things they don’t teach you in public schools…
This is so exciting! You are already making a big difference. What an inspiration for your readers and your daughter! One of these days when the time is right, I hope to go on a mission trip also. I can’t wait to hear about your travels. Thanks for the link to your friend’s site.
Big Mama-
My family is from Puerto Rico- though a property of the United states it is very poor. People from the Dominican Republic come over to sell crafts to all the tourists that come to PR.
It is a different life! May the Lord use you greatly!
Angie
Glad to hear you are going! Looking forward to reading your words about what your heart experiences there!
Can’t wait to hear all about it. She’s definitely got the eye of the tiger in that dress!
What an incredible opportunity! I can’t wait to hear all the amazing things you experience.
I am so so excited for you! Having been on several international mission trips (and now living in Mexico as a missionary!) I can tell you this: you will never, ever be the same. And while that will be hard, it will also be a beautiful thing because the Lord will do SO MUCH in and through you. You have the means to influence so many people and I can’t wait to see what He does with this!
I can’t wait to follow your journey and I will be praying for you.
Your new journey with God is just beginning….so much more to come
)
That’s awesome! You will always treasure those memories. I went on a mission trip to Russia in my twenties. I will never forget that experience.
It’s amazing how you don’t want to go places and do things or talk to people, and then God makes it very plain that He wants you to go to those places, do those things, and talk to those people….
I’m so glad you are getting to go, and can’t wait to hear all about it.
Caroline is so pretty by the way.
On my knees for you…
And if you perchance meet my college friend from D.R.–her name was “Zaida Maria (dada da, dada da, dada da) Cruse” SMILE!!
I’m thrilled for you guys. You and Mary and the others will have an amazing time! Can’t wait to read all about it.
That is so cool. I really want to be able to do some sort of mission like that one day.
Melanie, You know your life and world view will never be the same after that trip! It will not only be good for you but for the way you will teach Caroline in the future about God and His world.
I leave for Nicaragua in 17 days and I am so looking forward to seeing the people there again and to show them the love of Jesus as best I can! I am limited but God is NOT!! I am so glad you said “YES” this time!
Wonderful news! And great people are going with you too! I can’t wait to hear everything. It will certainly change your life forever.
that’s so cool! what an amazing, amazing opportunity!
How exciting that you’ll be going to the Dominican Republic. I’m really looking forward to reading what God is doing, and will continue to do, through Compassion there.
Awesome Melanie!! I have been to DR on a mission trip. Lots of help needed there.
Your template is jacked up again, I am sure you know.
Wow! That is totally exciting! I cannot wait to hear about it.
From one mom’s heart to another – I know it’s extra nerwewracking going on a missions trip and leaving the kids behind. Hard. But if God called you – He will protect you. I found that out firsthand.
We want to take our kids with us on a missions trip – I think it would be amazing for them to see how other kids live and would impact them in a very real way.
I know you will have a lifechanging and heartchanging time. It will be exciting and you won’t regret for an instance that you went.
Hi!
I guess a comment has been a long time coming since I have been reading your blog for several months now…but I just couldn’t pass up commenting on this one. I went with Family Legacy to Zambia this summer as well and remember AJ. That’s so exciting that you will be going to the DR. My best friend from A&M(where I go to school as well) went a few years ago and it was incredibly life changing. I am anxious to read about what all the Lord will show and teach you there…I know I will never be the same after experiencing everything I did in Zambia.
Blaire
My husband wants us to go on an international mission trip after our baby gets here…Can’t wait to hear/read all about yours! Are the other bloggy-mamas going too?
Congrats!! I went on a mission trip to Guatemala in July (www.missiontoguatemala.blogspot.com) and worked with an organization called Hope for Gautemala. This organization ministers to kids in one of the worst zones in Guatemala City. It was a truly rewarding experience. You are going to experience SO much!!! I will be praying for you! And…on a side note, my husband & I went to Dom. Rep. in August on vacation. It is absolutely beautiful!
I am so excited that you will be one of the bloggers on this trip. Someday I hope I can go on one of these trips too. I’m praying that your experience will work for God’s good and that you can share every bit of it with us.
I had to come out of hiding to share this great news with you
)
This is so exciting! I can’t wait to hear more details so that we can be praying for you and the kids you will see!
Oooh, I can’t wait to read your posts from the DR!
I had the opportunity to travel to El Salvador with Compassion. Be prepared to be blown away by the work done by Compassion. I am a firm believer in what they do.
With that said, I left 4 small kiddos behind and it was hard to go. But I am so glad I got out of my comfort zone and went. I will never be the same!
Can’t wait to read about your trip.
Good for you!
We took our daughters to an orphanage in Kenya for two summers running now, and they’ve built quite good relationships with a lot of the kids.
It’s been an amazing experience, and Rebecca even speaks Swahili now, at least a lot better than I do! She went to school with the kids and everything.
And it made such an impact on her (she’s 13 now). She was baptized last year, and she said one of the main reasons was seeing how these children’s faith helped them to deal with such awful things.
I hope that you will come back totally changed, and totally on fire! Good for you!
Visit To Love, Honor and Vacuum today!
The Dominican Republic is an awesome place! I went there nearly 10 years ago to help with the construction of a YoungLife camp there. I know your trip will be great!!
Thanks for saying yes. Even if you did play hard to get…or was that playing? Anyway, see you in the DR.
I have been a blog stalker of my daughter’s former Sunday School teacher for several months. From that blog, I discovered many others, some from the town in which I live and many from different parts of the state and even other states. I have enjoyed reading the blogs, even if I didn’t know the author. It was interesting to read of remodeled homes, to relive the experiences of mother’s of young children and, in some cases, to share the pain of loss or illnesses of loved ones. Such are the joys of the internet. Another joy of the internet has been reconnecting with old friends from my original hometown, Amarillo Texas and my graduating class (Tascosa HS 1970).
Today, I come out of the background to request your prayers for the son of someone who I have known since elementary school. Marshi’s 24 year old son, Brian Lair was diagnosed with a brain tumor on July 23. He had his first surgery in Dallas on August 7 and although the doctors were unable to completely remove the tumor, the prognosis was optimistic. On August 25, he had to return to the Dallas hospital because his incision had become infested. A second surgery was completed on August 28. On September 2, I received an email from his mom, explaining that Brian was still fighting the infection, with high temperatures, etc. The diagnosis, treatment, and his relationship with God are all detailed on his blog: http://brianlair.blogspot.com.
He really needs all the prayers anyone can muster. Please keep Brian in your thoughts and prayers and spread the word.
Thank you,
Chan Roark, Dothan AL
So great. I finally went on a trip in 06. Need to do it again. If you feel like you need a pardner, give me a ringy-ding-ding.
Love the dress — it deserves to go to kindergarten!!
And you will LOVE the Dominican Republic. There is absolutely nothing like eye-opening experience of a first-time experience in another culture. The Dominicans are wonderfully accepting. It will be great for you!!!
And I can’t wait to hear about every minute of it! What an amazing opportunity for you.
Wow! So cool what happens when we say yes to God. Can’t wait to hear what happens!
Dana
I think God will teach you much! What a blessing that you are willing!
Prepare to be changed and challenged in ways you never thought possible! So happy and excited for you! Can’t wait to hear all about God’s work through Compassion.
Take care,
Julie
I just got chills…first Sophie to Uganda (I’ve been there) and now you to the DR…I’ve been there too! My brother-in-law is Dominican, so that country holds a special place in my heart. Good for you for taking a leap of faith!
Melanie, how exciting! I’m so glad you’re going. Compassion has a big place in my heart, and I can’t wait to read about your experiences firsthand.
Oh wow! That is so awesome!
And I am so incredibly jealous! Enjoy it for me will you please?
I’m excited for you and excited to hear everything!
WOW! That’s awesome!!!
Oh, girl. I love that blog. She/they are truly doing amazing things.
Can’t wait to hear about all you see in the D.R.
That is awesome!! Congrats. I (along with being one of your blog-stalkers) am a Spanish interpreter AND a photographer…..so if you are looking to take someone with you it should be me!
Now I’m off to read the Zambia photos blog. My sister lives in Ethiopia, and I would love to do the same thing there…..hmmm…only my boss doesn’t so much agree that I should be gone ANYWHERE for three months…
Those Compassion people — they really know what they are doing. Your talent and your heart will be a huge asset to the team — and to the children who will surely be sponsored because of your voice.
Praying for you already, Melanie. (And for the others on the team! I read the list over at Mary’s. What a group!)
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